New Delhi: Home Ministry on Tuesday said there are no plans to amend the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Minister of State for Home Nityanad Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In response to a question by several opposition MPs, whether the Government plans to amend the existing Act “in the light of recent evidence about the large number of acquittals and for preventing the harassment of innocent people in wake of misuse of this law”, Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai in his reply said, “Conviction is an outcome of an elaborate judicial process and is dependent on various factors, such as, duration of trial, appraisal of evidence, examination of witnesses, etc. There are adequate Constitutional, institutional and statutory safeguards including inbuilt safeguards in the UAPA itself, to prevent misuse of the law.”

“The UAPA has been amended in the past keeping in view the requirement. Presently no amendments in the UAPA are under consideration,”

The information regarding custodial deaths of the persons in custody under the UAPA is not maintained by NCRB,” he said.

He also said information regarding custodial deaths of the persons in custody under the UAPA is not maintained by NCRB. (UNI)

Srinagar: The death toll in fatal attack by militants on a police bus on Srinagar-Jammu highway near Zeewan in city outskirts rose to three as one among the 12 injured police personnel succumbed to wounds at a hospital here on Tuesday.

A police official said that Constable Rameez Ahmad son of Mohammad Amin of Yachama Ganderbal lost battle for life at hospital here.

A bus of police’s armed forces was fired upon near Aripora Zeewan in outskirts of Srinagar on Monday evening, leaving 14 men injured.

Later two of them, Assistant Sub Inspector Ghulam Hassan of Top Neel Bharthand Ramban and Safique Ali (Sgct) of Mamakoti Mahore in Reasi district succumbed to injuries at army’s 92 base camp at Badami bagh hospital here.

Police has said that the attack was carried out by three militants of “Kashmir Tigers” which it said is an “offshoot” of Jash-e-Mohammad.

‘Preliminary investigation has revealed that three (militants) had fired indiscriminately upon a police vehicle carrying police personnel of 9th Battalion near Zewan Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar,” a police spokesperson had said, adding, “The police party were coming back to their campus after finishing their duties.”

Although the fire was retaliated, he said, militants however taking advantage of darkness managed to escape from the spot.

“Credible sources revealed that the attack was carried by Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of JeM. In the retaliatory firing, one of the militants got injured and the group involved in this attack will be soon brought to justice,” the spokesperson had added.

The injured police personnel have been identified Sajad Ahmad of Hariparigam Tral Pulwama, Bishmber Dass of Rabta Jammu, Sanjay Kumar of Dhanera rajouri, Vikas Sharma, Abdul Majeed of Sangiiwani Rajpora Pulwama, Mudasir Ahamd of Panner Tral, Ravi Kanth of Heranagar Kathua, Showkat Ali of Hadrdumir Tral, Arshid Mohammad of badibrahmana Jammu, Liyaqat Ali of Mohichak Kathua, and Narinder Singh (driver of the bus). Besides one constable Adil has received minor injuries, the police said. (GNS)

Jammu: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh Tuesday visited the place of incident where police bus was ambushed by the militants near Zewan, and Armed Police Complex.

He later visited 92 Base Hospital to enquire about health of police personnel who were injured yesterday in the attack.

The DGP first visited the place of incident and afterwards held interaction with the officers and cops at the Armed Police Complex Zewan. ADGP, Armed, S. J. M. Gillani, IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, DIG Central Kashmir Range, Sujit Kumar, Commandants of IR/ARP and SSP Srinagar were present on the occasion.

During his interaction with the officers and cops, the DGP on the very outset paid tributes to the police personnel who were killed in yesterday’s militant attack.

Two minutes’ silence was observed in memory of these fallen heroes.

The DGP appreciated the cops for retaliating the militant attack, saying that immediate response avoided what would have been possibly a huge loss.

He also complimented the driver for his sensible and quick action during the incident. He said that in the retaliation one militant was reportedly injured and vowed that perpetrators would be brought to justice very soon.

He directed the personnel to use the protective gear while on duty for personal safety, and take all protection on duty as well as during to and fro travel from the camps to deployments places.

“We have successfully faced challenges in the past and with the dedicated and committed efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces, the situation is progressively improving. Attempts are being made to cause damage to the peace and every such attempt would be foiled with fortitude,” the DGP added.

He also interacted with the senior officers and ordered a series of measures to be adopted while making the deployment of the personnel, their travel as well as in other different situations.

The DGP also went on to see the Police Bus which was attacked in the incident.

Accompanied by ADGP, Armed, IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, DIG CKR, the DGP in the afternoon visited 92 Base Hospital BB Cantt Srinagar and enquired about the health of the Police personnel injured yesterday in the attack.

The DGP J&K and GOC 15 corps Lt Gen DP Pandey alongwith other officers went to all the injured individually and enquired about their well being.

He met the doctors treating the injured and impressed for all possible treatment for their early recovery.

DGP wished for the speedy recovery of the injured officials. He also met the parents and relatives of the injured policemen and assured them that all help will be provided to injured policemen. He was briefed by the hospital authorities about the treatment being administered to the injured officials.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Tuesday said two foreign and a local militant were involved in the attack on a police bus in the outskirts of Srinagar at Zewan that left three policemen dead and 11 others injured.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar said 25 policemen were in the bus at the time of the attack which was carried by a Jaish-e-Mohammad offshoot.

“Two foreigners and a local militant  carried out Zewan attack. ..One militant got injured and his blood trail suggests that the group fled to Pampore and then to the Tral area and we are tracking them and very soon they will be neutralized,” Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a wreath laying ceremony for the slain cops in Srinagar. We have other leads as well and will track down the group”, he added

Kumar also informed that one more policeman injured in the attack succumbed to injuries this morning.

“Yesterday evening, two policemen including an ASI succumbed to their injuries at the hospital and today morning one more policeman succumbed,” he said.

The attack on a police bus was the first major attack on security forces in the Kashmir since the Lethpora Pulwama car bombing in February 2019 that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The IGP said the policemen foiled the weapon snatching attempt at Zewan by retaliating to the firing.

“The aim was to carryout weapon snatching but our jawans effectively retaliated and foiled their attempt,” he said while terming the attack a planned one.

The senior police officer said preventive measures would be taken to prevent such attacks n the future. (UNI)

By: Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal: A pall of gloom descended upon Yachama Kangan area of Ganderbal district after the body of a policeman, killed in Zewan Srinagar attack reached home on Tuesday.
According to reports, body of policeman Rameez Ahmad Baba, who was among the three cops killed by suspected militants in Zewan Srinagar attack last night, reached to his native village on Tuesday afternoon.
Witnesses said that hundreds of mourners from different areas of Kangan belt including men and women and children thronged to Yachama the native village of the slain cop to take part in his last rites.
Amid sobs and tears, body of Baba was later laid to rest in his ancestral grave yard in which hundreds of people participated.
Baba has left behind three sisters, a brother and elderly ailing father.
“He (Baba) was our lone bread earner and with his killing we have last everything. There is none in our family who is earning,” his family members said. “His killing has left us all in shock.”
The wreath laying event for slain cop was held at District police line Ganderbal.
Three police cops were killed and 11 others sustained injuries after suspected militants opened fire at the vehicle of 9th battalion Indian Reserve Police (IRP) at Zewan area of Srinagar city last evening. (KNO)

Jammu: A Lashkar militant was killed during a gunfight between security forces and militants on Tuesday morning in Surankote area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir.

The slain has been identified and was found active with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant outfit.

Defence sources here said that joint efforts of Indian Army, police and paramilitary forces continued to show positive results in Rajouri-Poonch region, due to unwavering support of locals.

“In a major success and boost to counter-militant operations, a foreign militant specially trained and brain washed to operate in Rajouri-Poonch area with an aim of orchestrating a spectacular strike, has been eliminated this morning,” sources said.

They identified him as Abu Zarara of Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit.

Sources said that this is the eighth militant killed this year in this region. “Recently, Haji Arif, a militant guide, was also killed on LoC in Rajouri sector,” they added.

They said as the militants got isolated and moved away from civilian populated area, the Army and Police, in coordination with paramilitary forces, launched clinical operation on receiving specific input from locals in Behramgala area.

“The militants attempted to get away by opening fire on security forces, but this LeT militant was killed in retaliatory fire, while his accomplice is on the run,” said the sources, adding that one AK- 47, four magazines (filled), one grenade and some Indian currency were recovered from him.

“The recovered items clearly revealed Pakistan’s complicity with this terrorist,” they said.

Sources said the Pak-trained and sponsored Foreign militant killed in the gunfight was first detected in August this year and it is probably part of Pakistan’s efforts to revive militancy in South of Pir Panjal region.

“While the militant and his accomplice have been on the run, taking shelter in deep jungles for the past few months, their need for food, clothing and communication (mobile) forced them to contact civilian population,” Defence sources said, adding that Indian Army, in joint effort with JKP, monitored this mobile communication on a near real-time basis, while the locals provided crucial information on the movement of suspects.

“This enabled the security forces to corner the militants, forcing them to get away to higher reaches of Pir Panjal ranges, despite the onset of winters,” they added. (UNI)

LG expresses grief, directs for immediate relief to NoKs of deceased

By: M S Nazki

Jammu: Four women from among five persons killed while two others were injured when a tempo they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Ramban district on Tuesday.

Official sources said that the accident occurred involving tempo (JK06-2075) near Chuchater at Rajgarh-Kastigarh link road. The deceased have been identified as Rahida Banu, Rubeena Begum, Amina Bano, Asia Banu and Sajad Ahmad (22), driver of the vehicle, all residents of Chanka. The injured have been identified as Mohammad yasin and Khalida.

Assistant Sub-inspector of Police post Rajgarh said that five persons were killed and two others injured. He said a case has been registered and further investigations taken up.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban said that he reached the spot of the accident near Chuchater, Rajgarh. “5 confirmed dead, including 4 women and driver of the tempo. 2 injured,” he tweeted, adding, “Our condolences to the bereaved families in their hour of grief.”

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a tweet said that he was “deeply anguished” to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Rajgarh, Ramban. “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the early recovery of the injured,” he said, adding, “I’m monitoring the situation and every possible assistance will be extended to the kin of the victims. Directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to NoKs of deceased.”

Meanwhile, National Conference  President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on expressed deep anguish over the death of five people in a tragic road accident near Chuchater, Rajgarh in Ramban district.

While expressing anguish over the accident, the duo expressed unison with the bereaved and prayed for peace to the departed.

They also asked the administration to step up the rescue operation and ensure best medical treatment to the injured. Both the President and Vice President prayed for the fast recovery of the injured as well.

Party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Provincial President Jammu rattan Lal Gupta and district president Ramban Sajad Shaheen have also expressed grief over the accident. (GNS)

Umraha(Varanasi): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, that the recognition which India’s tradition, culture, and civilization is receiving at the global level, is a matter of pride for every Indian.

PM has called upon the people to take a resolution to fulfill the dreams of Sadguru Sadaphaldev ji.

“These resolutions should be such in which Sadhguru’s resolutions are fulfilled and in which the wishes of the country should also be included,” he said.

PM said these resolutions should be given momentum in the next two years, fulfilled together.

“Just as there can be a resolution – we have to educate the daughter and also develop her skills. Along with their families, those who can take responsibility in the society, they should also take the responsibility of skill development of one or two poor daughters.”

“Another resolution can be about saving water. We have to keep our rivers, Ganga ji, all water bodies clean,” he added.

The PM was speaking at a public meeting held at the 98th anniversary celebrations of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Vihangam Yog Sansth here on Tuesday afternoon. Before addressing the public, PM  also paid floral tributes to Sadguru Sadafaldev ji’s statue at the Sarvendra temple. UP governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present on the occasion.

The PM said at the time of freedom struggle, Sadhguru had given us the mantra of ‘Swadeshi’.

Today, in the same spirit, the country has now started ‘Self-reliant India Mission’.

“Today the local business-employment of the country is being strengthened, the products are being strengthened, the local is being made global,” he said in his address.

Whenever there are testing times, some or the other Saint appears to change the times. It is India where the tallest leader of freedom movement is called ‘Mahatma’ by the world.

“I bow to Sadguru Sadafal Dev ji, I bow to his spiritual presence. I also express my gratitude to Shri Swatantradev Ji Maharaj and Shri Vigyandev Ji Maharaj, who are keeping this tradition alive, giving new expansion.” he said.

PM said today is the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti. “On this day when armies were face to face in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, humanity got the ultimate knowledge of Yoga, Spirituality and Paramarth. On this occasion, while bowing at the feet of Lord Krishna, I extend hearty greetings to all of you and the countrymen on the occasion of Gita Jayanti,” he said.

Talking about Kashi, his parliamentary constituency, Modi said the energy of Kashi is not only intact, it also continues to take new expansions.

Embracing novelty by embracing the old, Banaras is giving a new direction to the country, he claimed.

“Yesterday Kashi offered the grand ‘Viswanath Dham’ at the feet of Mahadev. Cities like Banaras have preserved the seeds of India’s identity, of art, of entrepreneurship, even in the toughest of times.Where there is a seed, the tree begins to expand from there. That is why, today when we talk about the development of Banaras, it also forms the road map for the development of the whole of India,” he added.

PM said the beautification work that has been done in Gaudolia has become a sight to behold. “I interacted with so many people there. I also saw Banaras railway station in Maduwadih. This station has also been renovated now”.

He claimed that whenever he comes to Kashi or even stays in Delhi, he tries to keep pace with the development works being done in Banaras.

“After 12 o’clock last night, as soon as I got the opportunity, I again set out to see the work that is going on in my Kashi, the work that has been done,” he said.

After attending the function, PM is expected to wind up his two day visit to Varanasi, and leave for New Delhi. (UNI)

New Delhi: With a focus to expedite the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India released Rs 604 Crore to the Union Territory.

Central fund of Rs 2,747 Crore has been allocated to the UT in 2021-22 for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, which is nearly four times the allocation made during 2020-21.

J&K plans to become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ UT by August, 2022. Out of 18.35 lakh rural households in the UT, 10.39 lakh (57%) households have tap water connections. Despite adverse weather conditions and challenges of transportation in many areas in this difficult terrain, water supply work is in full swing to make provision of tap water supply in villages. Provision has been made for tap water supply to every rural household in 2 districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal and 1,070 villages.

Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords top priority to make provision of tap water connection in every rural household across the country under Jal Jeevan Mission as there is a massive increase in budgetary allocation to Rs. 2,747.17 Crore in 2021-22, from Rs. 681.77 Crore in the preceding year.

Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented in a decentralized manner following the ‘bottom-up’ approach, wherein the local village community plays a key role starting from planning to implementation and from management to operation & maintenance.

For this, the State undertakes activities like strengthening the PaniSamiti and developing Village Action Plan as well as approving the same in the Gram Sabha, wherein the community deliberates on water supply schemes to be implemented for them.

The programme encourages participation by women as they are the primary water managers in any household. Implementing Support Agencies (ISAs) are engaged by the department to create awareness in public about the mission, sensitize them about importance of safe water, engage with the community and extend support to the Panchayati Raj institutions for implementation of the programme.

Efforts are made to ensure tap water availability for drinking, cooking mid-day meal, washing hands and usage in toilets in all schools and anganwadi centres. As on date all 22,421 schools (100%) and 23,926 (100%) AWCs in J&K have been provided with tap water supply.

With focus on public health, potability of water supplied is given top priority, for which more than 2,000 water quality testing laboratories in the country have been opened to general public so that people can get their water samples tested whenever they so desire at a nominal cost. J&K has 97 water testing laboratories.

At the start of the mission in 2019, out of a total of 19.20 Crore rural households in the country, only 3.23 Crore (17%) had tap water supply. Despite challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, over 5.42 Crore (28%) households have been provided with tap water supply since the launch of the mission.

Presently, 8.65 Crore (45%) rural households receive potable water through taps. Goa, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Puducherry and Haryana have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State/ UT i.e. 100% rural households have tap water supply in their homes. Following the principle of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, SabkaVishwas, SabkaPrayas’, the motto of the mission is that ‘no one is left out’ and every rural household is provided with tap water connection. At present, every household in 83 Districts and more than 1.28 lakh villages are receiving tap water supply.